Career Services Office
Content and Structure for an Academic Cover Letter
Although most cover letters follow a similar structure, you should tailor each one for the job to which you are applying. If you are applying to dozens of positions, this might not be feasible, but do at least customize the letter for the type of institution and position. Carefully read the job posting and fashion your letter based upon the information gleaned from the ad; the university and departmental Web sites may also provide valuable background information.
Prepare your opening paragraph with great care, since it sets the tone for the rest of the letter. Introduce yourself, mentioning the degree you are pursuing and the university you attend. Refer to the specific position for which you are applying, and indicate how you learned about the position or organization. If you have not yet finished your degree, you should state when you expect to receive your degree or defend your dissertation. You may also want to briefly mention what attracted you to the university to which you are submitting your application (i.e., strong undergraduate programs, commitment to research and development, excellent faculty).
The body of your letter should consist of one or two paragraphs that highlight your interest in the position, your strongest attributes and your strong qualifications. This is your opportunity to "sell" yourself. Use this opportunity to elaborate upon the distinctive strengths and qualifications you would bring to the position and attempt to persuade the search committee that you are a highly qualified candidate deserving additional consideration. Many people find this type of self-promotion difficult, and are concerned that such comments sound arrogant. Modesty is not rewarded in the job search, and you may be the only voice articulating your qualifications to the search committee.
If you are applying to a major research institution, it is also important to stress your interest in conducting research, possibly elaborating upon your current research or dissertation topic. For liberal arts or teaching colleges, it is appropriate to express your interest in teaching and in undergraduate education. Consider the specialization(s) that the job ad is calls for, and draw as many parallels as possible between your area of specialization and the position. Address any other requirements that the job posting requests, as well as any other qualifications or experiences that you possess. If any information on your CV is confusing or may cause questions among the search committee, address these topics in the cover letter.
Conclude your letter by reinforcing you interest in the position and in obtaining an interview. Indicate the other materials you are enclosing in your application packet and whether any other materials are being sent under separate cover. Offer to provide extra materials or additional information if necessary, and thank the reader for his or her consideration.
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